Roatan
ROATAN is an island in the Caribbean, about 65 kilometres (40 mi) off the northern coast of Honduras and formed by the Bonacca Ridge, which is an underwater mountain range.
The island is approximately 40 miles long, 5 miles wide. The Bonacca Ridge is responsible for the formation of several small islands and Keys in the surrounding areas including the Island of Utila and Guanaja. Roatan is home to the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere.
Roatan Information
Please click the buttons below or view the pdf if you would like to learn more about each area of interest!
Weather
The Honduras Bay Islands which include the islands of Roatan, Utila, Guanaja and Cayos Cochinos, have year round weather that is really good for a vacation. While traveling in the Bay Islands you can expect daytime highs in the mid 80's and 90's and night time lows in the 70's. Rainy season varies from year to year, but it normally rains from late fall through early winter which is considered the "rainy" season for Honduras. During the rest of the year, rainfall is minimal unless there's a storm in the Caribbean and often light showers during June and July.
Water Temperature
Water temperature ranges from 78 degrees - 84 degrees with visibility consistent between 60-100ft, sometimes more! Diving takes place on both sides of island. When it is choppy on one side of island the other side is usually calm and provides the experience you hope for even in bad weather.
FAQ
Tips: what is the standard rate on Roatan? 10% is standard although 20% helps the local economy. Some places add it to your bill, you will need to check your receipts on this. If using a credit card, add tip prior to it being run as you cannot add it later.
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Is the drinking water safe to drink?
Tap water is not recommended to drink in Honduras. All good restaurants and hotels will provide purified water or use purified water in food preparation. Purified water can be bought easily throughout the country.
FAQ
Banks: Normal business hours, you will find them crowded with long lines at peak times.
Credit Cards: Accepted most places not all, best to inquire before trying to use.
Currency: Limpera National currency with the USA dollar quite common. Bring 1, 5 & 10's larger bills can be a problem. Any defects on bills and they will not be accepted.
Languages: Spanish national language with English a close second.
Time Zone: Central time zone but daylight saving time not observed. GMT six hours behind.
Electricity: Same a USA 110 volts 60 MHz same plugs. European style plug converts if you use this type and surge suppressors are a good idea to bring.
Activities
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Roatan Island Brewing Co. is located in the lush Palmetto Valley of Roatan, only a five minute walk from Laru Beya. Brewing a variety of easy drinking ales and lagers, many with a tropical twist. Our property includes nature trails, foosball, ping pong tables, horseshoes, fire pit, and even a TV for those who need to catch up on some football. Each week we have a specialty food, beer launch, or special event. It's best to check our Facebook page for what's going on this week at the brewery. Now open Wed to Sun from 11am to 5pm. www.roatanislandbrewing.com
Restaurants
West End:
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Café Escondido: Upstairs from West End Divers, this popular café serves up great noodle and rice bowls, great breakfast food, and a daily “Diver Deal”. The food is tasty and the prices are wallet friendly as well. There are lots of vegetarian choices here. $
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Pazzos Italian Restaurant – This is a unique place and nothing fancy but the handmade pasta by owner Johnny Pedretti is exceptional. No liquor license so bring your own wine. He is reservation only (place sits about 15 people and is just outside of West End +504 9889-1732
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Off the Hook at –Coconut Tree: Just at the entrance to West End, upstairs from the dive shop,this is a great spot to grab a tasty meal and a strong drink. The menu has typical bar fare as well as smoked meats and fajitas. $$
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Por Que No? A quaint place specializing in Mediterranean food with a tapas menu and entrees, and the best homemade desserts on the island! $
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Rotisserie Chicken: Relaxed, inexpensive, popular local hangout. Serving up homemade meals, rotisserie chicken, chicken burritos and great side dishes. The brownie sundae is a must! $
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Blue Marlin: Live entertainment frequently and a small food menu. Located in the heart of West End. Thursday Night for Karaoke is always packed and rowdy. $
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SHOPPING
There is no shortage of shopping options here on Roatan Island. Whether you are looking for unique souvenirs and gifts for your family and friends back home or you wish to visit a commercial shopping center to purchase clothing, Roatan has got you covered. From the markets in Coxen Hole and cute souvenir shops along West Bay Beach to the Mega Plaza Mall in French Harbor, you will find a wide range of shopping options on the island. The great thing about Roatan is that you can find both local and imported products here. They sell local crafts and fresh homemade foods, but also import everything that is needed for vacationers who are visiting Roatan during the summer season.
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Coxen Hole Shopping
There are plenty of shopping opportunities for vacationers in Coxen Hole. Many shops can be found that sell Honduran crafts like Garifuna art, lenca pottery, and different kinds of straw baskets. If you wish to get fresh fish, look along the main street for street vendors or head to one of the many seafood stores.
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Shopping in West End
Expect to find a number of shops in West End, most of them are small stores that sell souvenirs and gifts. For cool paintings, crafts made by artists from Honduras, and jewelry, make sure to visit the awesome Waves of Art Gallery which is situated in a bright yellow house. West End is also home to the Marine Park Office of Roatan that sells dive maps and offers information on how to save the natural sites and the reef in the Bay Islands.
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French Harbor Shopping
French Harbor houses the largest shopping center on the island called Mega Plaza. This place has it all. From dozens of clothing stores and ladies shops where you can find accessories and purses to jewelry stores and barber stores, there is something for every at this shopping mall. Four local banks have their branches here, making it convenient for travelers who are looking for banking services. Claro and Tigo, both of the Roatan cell phone companies are also situated in the building where they sell sim cards and offer various services. Vacationers will be happy to hear the Mega Plaza in the French Harbor is home to numerous restaurants also. If you need to buy appliances like computers, TV’s, or furniture, there is a large department store here called Lady Lee.
What to Bring
The Roatan climate is warm all year round except for November, December and January. Light casual clothing is best and a rain jacket, sandals, bathing suit and sturdy hiking boots or shoes are all important items to bring.
Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are needed most of the year, as the sun is hot and strong. Insect repellent is also needed mainly for nights and some beaches where sand flies are found.
Additional traveling items:
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Photocopies of passport and airline tickets, best to keep original passport on your person at all times.
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Back up money supply in travelers checks or credit cards.
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Prescriptions
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Toiletries
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Camera
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Always tag or label all your luggage when flying to and from Roatan.
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Flashlight
Travel Requirements
Honduras Entry Requirements
Updated Sept 5, 2023
Roatan, Honduras is open for travel! The Government of Honduras has implemented new requirements and help streamline your arrival to the country. Completing these steps will ensure the effectiveness of airport biosecurity protocols.
Standard Entry Requirements:
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U.S. citizens are required to have a U.S. passport with at least six months validity beyond return travel dates.
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Residents of South America or persons traveling en route from South America to Honduras will be required to show proof of the Yellow Fever Vaccination.
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Residents of all other countries should check with the Honduran Embassy for specific entry requirements.